New opportunities for clinical trials

April 26, 2006|JUDY BRADFORD Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND If you're a cancer patient -- or at high risk of being one --there's a strong chance of connecting to a clinical research trial that might speed your recovery and help patients in the future. That connection is through the new Cancer Institute at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, which is linked with the Northern Indiana Cancer Research Consortium. The consortium, which includes a total of six hospitals, is currently conducting more than 100 clinical research trials in many types of cancers including those of the breast, ovaries, cervix, prostate gland and colon. "We pretty much have an open protocol for every disease site," says Lisa Barnaby, oncology research supervisor for the Cancer Institute of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. (A protocol is a detailed plan of each study.) A clinical trial is essentially a research study. It helps doctors who are looking for answers to important questions about treatment. It might involve experimenting with a yet-to-be-approved drug, or trying new combinations of already-approved drugs. A clinical trial could also be preventative in nature. In one study, for example, women who have had two close relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer can participate in a national study. Some 1,800 women are needed to compare and contrast a very close, specific monitoring process using ultrasound, with preventative surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Enrollment is still open. Enrollment in any clinical study is usually done through your doctor. "The physician is a key person," says Barnaby. "A lot of it has to do with how the physician approaches the patient with the idea, and when. The physician is then followed up by the research team, which helps the patient understand what they're committing to." Barnaby said response is generally good by patients. "If their doctor recommends that they do this, they are usually willing to participate." But others, she adds, may feel "like guinea pigs," and it's OK to say no and continue with standard treatment. The average clinical research trial lasts about six months. But a trial can last as short as eight weeks or as long as five years. There are certain guidelines. You have to be at least 18 years old, and have a confirmed diagnosis of disease or risk. Depending on the study, you may or may not have had prior treatment. Patients may be asked to pay for some of the costs, like hospital fees, doctor visits and tests. However, some of the costs may be covered by a patient's private insurance. Pharmaceutical companies often provide experimental drugs for free. Barnaby said the Cancer Institute can also submit bills to get reimbursement for the patient. In addition to employing Barnaby, the Institute also has a full-time oncology research nurse, a part-time research nurse, and two data assistants. The office covers patients coming into Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center and its Plymouth and Mishawaka campuses. The Institute supports a total of ten oncologists. The other hospitals in the Northern Indiana Cancer Research Consortium are Elkhart General Healthcare System, LaPorte Regional Health System, Howard Regional Health System in Kokomo, Lakeland Health and Healing, and Memorial Regional Health System. For more information, please contact (866) SJRMC-4U.